3-Month Mirena Update

February marks 3-months of having the Mirena IUD. I thought I would do a post detailing how it has been since I had it put in.

So, what is Mirena? From the Mirena website:

An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small, T-shaped device that is placed into the uterusby a trained healthcare provider during a routine office visit. It provides continuous,highly effective birth control. Keep in mind that no birth control is 100% effective.
Mirena is a hormone-releasing IUD thatreleases small amounts of a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel locally into the uterus. Mirena lasts for as long as you want, for up to 5 years.

Yes, that little thing is placed in the uterus and can last up to five years. Since another child is not a possibility for at least 2-3 years depending on how this relationship goes, I wanted something I did not have to worry about. I was super forgetful when it came to my pills, and I like that I don't have to do anything with my Mirena except check to make sure the strings are still there. The doctor told me that your partner might feel the strings during sex, but if it gets uncomfortable they can cut the strings a little shorter. 

Here is the process I went through to get my Mirena. 

I called the doctor to make my appointment and they asked what kind I wanted. I was going back and forth between the Mirena and the arm implant, Nexplanon. In the end I chose Mirena because I liked how the hormones were concentrated in that area instead of in my arm where they would go all around my body. The doctor advised me to take 800mg of Motrin an hour before the appointment to combat the cramping. The day came and the whole process took about 20 minutes from the time the doctor came into the room. She had to dilate my cervix so she could place the Mirena. I wasn't worried about that even though she warned me that I might feel pressure and it could get uncomfortable. I thought I would be ok. BIG MISTAKE. Everything was fine until she started to place the device. Then I started cramping and it freaking hurt! I'm talking contraction pain! Holy crap. Finally it was done and she said I might cramp for the next few days. She was definitely wrong, as I cramped for the next 2.5 weeks. But after that period of cramps, it's been smooth sailing. 

Women also on Mirena can spot bleed for up to a year after insertion, but thankfully I haven't had spotting in weeks. Women may also experience lighter periods, heavier periods, or no periods at all. Mine have been the same since before birth control. 

So, at the 3-month mark I am pleased with everything and haven't experienced any of the symptoms that some women have, such as hair loss and weight gain. Knock on wood that it stays that way!

I hope that this helps someone that might be considering Mirena. Check the website and of course talk to your doctor for more details. 

**With any birth control there are certain risks, which is why you should ALWAYS talk to your doctor first.